iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £1108.44 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- Battery: 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, 2691 mAh on the iPhone 8 Plus.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus differ in many ways that suit different users. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger and higher resolution screen, more memory, and a much bigger battery, which suits those who want a spacious display and strong multitasking or gaming performance. It also supports 5G networks and uses a USB-C connector, which might appeal if you want newer connectivity options. The iPhone 8 Plus has a smaller screen and less RAM but comes in lower storage options and a lighter build, making it a practical choice for everyday use or users who prefer a more compact device.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery size and software support affect how long each device stays useful and active.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has two battery options, 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh, offering longer usage between charges. This suits users who spend more time on their phone without frequent recharging. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, which fits users with lighter daily use or those who charge their phone more often.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores files.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro chipset and has 12 GB of RAM. This combination suits users who want to run demanding apps or keep many apps open at once without slowdown. The iPhone 8 Plus has the Apple A11 Bionic chipset and 3 GB of RAM, which fits everyday use like browsing, messaging, and basic apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB variants. These options are good for users who need large storage for photos, videos, or apps. The iPhone 8 Plus offers 64GB and 256GB, which suits users with lighter storage needs or who prefer a lower-priced option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how content appears and how comfortable the phone is to use for watching videos, reading, or browsing.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868x1320, providing a large and sharp display that suits watching videos or using multiple apps side by side. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1080x1920, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR screen, which offers high contrast and vibrant colours, suitable for users who want a visually rich experience. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides good colour accuracy and brightness for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Camera specifications affect photo and video quality, while front camera detail influences selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and better suited for users who take a lot of photos or want high-resolution images. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday photography needs.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features an 18 megapixel front camera, which suits users who take high-quality selfies or use video calls often. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 7 megapixel front camera, providing good quality for basic selfie and video chat purposes.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Other differences include network compatibility, connectors, physical size, and SIM card options. These affect how the phones connect and feel in use.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G networks and offers both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which suits users wanting faster mobile internet and flexible SIM options. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, fitting users with standard network needs.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices, making charging and connecting easier if you use other USB-C accessories. The iPhone 8 Plus has a Lightning connector, standard for many iPhones before USB-C.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max measures 163.4 mm in height, 78 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 233 g. This larger size suits users who prefer bigger phones for media or typing. The iPhone 8 Plus measures 158.4 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.5 mm in depth, weighing 202 g, making it lighter and easier to handle for those wanting a more compact device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.5 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £1108.44 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (202 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 17 Pro Max say it works well and looks like new. They appreciate the smooth setup and battery health. Many mention the phone's condition as excellent and the device meeting expectations for quality. Some users note occasional network issues. Overall, customers find the phone reliable for multitasking and media use, with some highlighting the larger storage options.
Buyers of the iPhone 8 Plus say the phone is in excellent condition and performs well for everyday tasks. It suits users who want a straightforward device for games or communication. Some customers mention that the phone no longer receives software updates, which affected app availability. The screen and build quality receive positive comments, with a few noting minor display quirks or battery performance that fits lighter usage.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is recommended for users who want a large, powerful phone with strong camera and storage features. The iPhone 8 Plus suits those looking for a simpler device with a smaller screen and lower storage needs.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh and the iPhone 8 Plus has 2691 mAh.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.5 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £1108.44 more (from £1209 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
